The burglary and petty larceny occurred Oct. 8 at a house on Bethesda Road. A witness called 9-1-1 and Spartanburg County Sheriff's deputies arrived while Tessnear and another man were burglarizing the home, according to a written statement from the 7th Circuit Solicitor's Office.

Tessnear's truck — loaded with stolen items — was parked in front of the vacant house, which was being used for storage, according to the statement.

Adam Moore, 28, of Cowpens, was arrested at the crime scene; Tessnear was arrested the next day on a driving offense, according to the statement.

Tessnear's attorney, James Cheek, asked Circuit Judge Mark Hayes to revoke Tessnear's probation, so he could get clean of methamphetamine and begin to work toward repaying a “substantial” amount of restitution. Cheek said Tessnear regretted not complying with probation and the court's mercy in previous sentencing.

“This case is a great illustration of what occurs when conscientious community members partner with law enforcement,” Assistant Solicitor Hillary Welborn is quoted in the statement. “The caller recognized that something didn't look right and acted on it.”

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